Scarlett Johansson criticizes the Oscars for overlooking Avengers: Endgame, calling out the Academy for failing to recognize the film’s emotional depth, cultural impact, and cinematic achievement.

In a revelation that has stirred fans and reignited long-standing debates about the Oscars’ relationship with blockbuster films, Scarlett Johansson has publicly criticized the Academy Awards for failing to properly recognize Avengers: Endgame, the climactic conclusion to over a decade of Marvel storytelling.

The actress, who portrayed Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), expressed her disappointment over what she sees as a serious oversight in cinematic history.

Speaking out in a recent interview, Johansson questioned how the Academy could ignore a film that not only shattered box office records but also delivered emotional performances, groundbreaking visual effects, and a cultural moment that resonated across the globe.

“It was the end of an era. It was the biggest cinematic event in recent memory — and it just got a pat on the head?” she said with a mixture of disbelief and frustration.

Avengers: Endgame, released in 2019, closed the Infinity Saga of the MCU with a dramatic, high-stakes battle that brought together a vast ensemble cast of superheroes.

Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, the film earned nearly $2.8 billion worldwide, briefly becoming the highest-grossing film of all time.

Despite its massive popularity and cultural impact, the film only received one Oscar nomination — for Best Visual Effects — and lost to 1917.

For Johansson and many fans, this feels like more than just a snub. “There’s always been this unspoken line between what’s considered ‘art’ and what’s considered ‘entertainment,’ and it’s ridiculous,” she explained.

“Endgame was both. It took ten years of storytelling, emotional investment, technical innovation, and collaboration to build up to that film. If the Academy can’t see that, then maybe it’s time they looked at what movies are really about.”

Her words echo a broader sentiment in Hollywood and among fans who have long felt that the Academy tends to disregard blockbuster films, especially those from the superhero genre, in favor of more traditional dramatic fare.

While superhero films dominate popular culture, their recognition by award institutions has remained limited, often confined to technical categories.

Scarlett Johansson’s criticism also carries added weight given her own complex history with the Academy.

Despite years of consistent performances in both independent and mainstream films, she only received her first Oscar nominations in 2020 — one for Best Actress in Marriage Story and another for Best Supporting Actress in Jojo Rabbit — a rare double honor.

Still, her work in the MCU has often been overlooked despite the popularity and depth she brought to her character, especially in Avengers: Endgame and Black Widow.

Johansson’s comments have sparked renewed interest in how the Academy defines “award-worthy” art.

Many argue that the Oscars have been slow to adapt to a changing cinematic landscape where superhero films are no longer just action-packed popcorn flicks, but often carry rich themes, moral complexity, and groundbreaking visuals.

Films like The Dark Knight and Logan were widely praised for pushing the genre into more serious territory, but even they struggled to gain recognition in top categories.

Moreover, Avengers: Endgame was not just any superhero film. It was the culmination of 21 interconnected movies — an unprecedented cinematic experiment.

The film not only balanced dozens of major characters but also delivered memorable performances, emotional arcs, and a farewell to some of the franchise’s most beloved heroes.

Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man was particularly noted by fans and critics alike for its emotional resonance. Many felt he deserved at least a nomination for Best Actor or Supporting Actor for his final appearance in the MCU. Yet, that recognition never came.

Johansson’s remarks also come at a time when the Academy is under increasing scrutiny to modernize and better reflect the tastes and values of today’s audiences. Recent years have seen a widening gap between films that are critically acclaimed and those that audiences love.

The Academy introduced the controversial “Popular Film” category in 2018 — a move widely perceived as a response to the success of blockbuster films like Black Panther — but it was ultimately scrapped due to backlash.

Scarlett’s stance aligns her with other actors and filmmakers who have called for broader definitions of cinematic excellence. “It’s not about explosions or capes,” she said. “It’s about impact.

And Endgame moved people — it brought generations together, it honored legacy, it made people cry in theaters around the world. Isn’t that what great cinema is supposed to do?”

While the Oscars continue to evolve — with more diverse nominees and slowly shifting attitudes — the absence of major recognition for Avengers: Endgame remains a sore spot for many involved.

As Hollywood continues to grapple with the future of storytelling in the era of franchises and global fanbases, Johansson’s words serve as a reminder that cultural milestones deserve more than just box office records — they deserve respect.

In the meantime, Scarlett Johansson is keeping busy with a slate of upcoming projects, including producing roles and voice work in new animated features.

While her time as Black Widow may have ended, her voice as a powerful figure in Hollywood continues to grow stronger — and she’s clearly not afraid to challenge the system when she feels something isn’t right.